The Escapist 2009

Frank Perry, portrayed by Brian Cox, is a man resigned to his fate, having accepted that he will spend the rest of his life behind bars. His stoic demeanor allows him to navigate prison life without drawing attention or causing disturbances, essentially keeping a low profile. However, the real trouble brews from the violent and drug-fueled antics of Tony, the brother of the ruthless prison kingpin Rizza, played by Damian Lewis. Rizza is a character whose mannerisms were reportedly inspired by a blend of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and former boxer Chris Eubank.

Everything changes when Frank receives a rare letter that devastates him: his beloved daughter is on the brink of death due to an overdose. This heartbreaking news ignites a desperate need for escape within Frank. With urgency in his heart, he formulates a bold plan and realizes he can’t execute it alone. Enlisting the help of an eclectic mix of fellow inmates, Frank assembles a crew composed of Lenny Drake, portrayed by Joseph Fiennes, Brodie, Viv Batista, and his new cellmate, James Lacey.

The film delves deep into themes of imprisonment, the yearning for freedom, and the multifaceted aspects encapsulated in the four Rs: redemption, release, regret, and responsibility. What sets The Escapist apart from other films within the prison escape genre is its unique narrative structure. Director Wyatt artfully intertwines the meticulous preparation for the escape with the unfolding events during the breakout, using clever jump cuts that enhance the storytelling.

The film culminates in a surprising twist, drawing inspiration from Ambrose Bierce’s short story, An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge, adding layers of depth and intrigue to the narrative. Much of the film was shot at Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin, an iconic location that evokes a haunting atmosphere with its open terraces and communal staircases, resembling a ghoulish cathedral filled to the brim with despairing souls. Additionally, a dramatic scene occurs in the bascule chamber beneath Tower Bridge in London, the same location where Wyatt’s brother-in-law, Boris Starling, placed the climax of his 2006 novel Visibility.